The picturesque drive leads through the Blackall Range, the hills of emerald green which frame the resort towns of the Sunshine Coast. Along the way you will experience hillside villages and their quaint cafes and shops. The Southern portion of the drive sweeps through the glorious Glass House Mountains. This is typically a one day trip, however there are many lodging accommodations if you care to make it an overnight.
Begin your tour at Noosa Heads, which is known to be the epicenter of the Sunshine coast, set on the lovely Laguna Bay. The dramatic clifftop views that span downward to the sandy beaches are amazing. Next stop is Eumundi. Eumundi is a 19th century timber town which begins the ascent to the hills. The fresh market on Wednesday and Saturday is a great time to stop and enjoy the local produce and craters. Yandina is the next stop on this journey. Ginger is a major crop in this area and they have a factory which also serves as a theme park for visitors. Don't miss the ride through the gardens on the Queensland Cane Train.
On the way to Mapleton, stop at the Dulong Lookout situated at the top of the escarpment. The views are exhilarating " rolling green hills to the east and dense forest to the north. Take the time to explore tiny Mapleton Falls National Park which preserves remnant rainforest and a 120 metre waterfall. The road from Mapleton to Flaxton traces the ridge of the Blackall Ranges offering magnificent views east and west .Just south of Flaxton is the turn-off to Kondalilla National Park, a small park where over 100 bird species have been recorded. This is also where you will find Kondalilla Falls, an impressive 90metre cascade with a rockpool suitable for swimming perched on top!
Gerrard Lookout is next, situated between Montville and Maleny. At this point you are 350 meters above sea level. You can view the entire Sunshine Coast from this point, spanning from Caloundra to Noosa. A few Kilometers further is Balmoral Lookout which offers farmland views, lake views and forest views together. Beyone Maleny is McCarthy's lookout which identifies the peaks of the Glasshouse mountains.
The old Gympie Road cuts through the middle of the Glass House Mountains veering south just ahead of Landsborough .There are 16 volcanic plugs and peaks rise abruptly from the plains reaching a maximum height of 556 metres.Many of these walks require rock climbing ability but there is an easier two hour return hike up 253 metre Mt Ngungun via the township of Glass House Mountains.
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Many travelers looking for the right Sunshine Coast accommodation start by searching the web. Online you can search for just the right Sunshine Coast hotels to fit the needs of your family for your upcoming vacation.
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